Expert Insight: How to empower essential workers in a pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Americans to work from home. 

But workers in essential services, such as many retailers, have clocked in for their shifts every day since the pandemic’s onset. And working amid the pandemic has taken a serious toll on frontline essential workers. 

A recent Gallup poll reported that only 41% of employees feel their employers have communicated a clear plan of action in response to COVID-19. This statistic should concern organizational leaders. 

If essential workers continue to feel unheard by their employers, companies risk absenteeism from employees or losing workers altogether to burnout. As a result, this loss of workers can lead to a reduced workforce and in turn, a poor customer experience. 

Employee empowerment starts with effective workplace communication 
Engaging and empowering employees can be a challenge, and during a pandemic, it can seem near impossible. But, with the right technology and communication strategy, you can support your essential workers and empower them to work their best. Here’s how. 

1. Establish a centralized digital workplace platform  
Without a single source of consistent workplace communication, employees quickly become confused and frustrated. A centralized digital workplace platform reduces the risk of confusion by eliminating ambiguity—employees shouldn’t have to guess where to find necessary company information. 

A central platform also enables a convenient access point for workers to their jobs since modern digital workplace platforms are accessible via mobile apps and on the web. Mobile access allows employees to stay informed on company news no matter where they are. Plus, employers can use push notifications to let workers know about updates in real-time.  

2. Open channels of two-way communication. 
To establish consistent workplace communication, you have to give employees a voice. A digital workplace enables you to create channels of two-way communication between company leaders and frontline workers. 

One of the most popular communication tools is a company-wide employee channel that workers can use to ask questions in real-time. Using this tool, you can create a CEO channel that allows employees to hear directly from C-suite leadership. Another effective tactic is a COVID-specific channel where workers can ask about company policies, find updates on store closures, and gain 24/7 access to health and safety protocols. 

Two-way communication not only opens dialogue between you and your employees, but also encourages inter-employee communication. Instant messaging features streamline important discussions between workers, and managers from any store location can share dos and don’ts, as well as other advice, on a manager channel.

Deploying tasks, training, and surveys inside the same digital workplace platform can be an effective way to communicate important operations. Engage and empower employees by having necessary work modules alongside communication.